Interviewing at foreign companies

1. Interviewing at foreign companies

2. Preparation • Preparing for an interview is the most important part (and most commonly overlooked) • Even if you’re interviewing for several positions in the same company or industry, prepare for each one individually • Tweak your resume to fit every job you’re applying for

3. Self-Analysis • Ask yourself some important questions • Who am I? • What are my goals? • How will I reach my goals? • Why do I want this job? • Why am I qualified • What are my strengths? Weaknesses?

4. Interview Attire • Dress conservatively! Don’t wear flashy or gaudy clothing • Try to keep a professional image

5. Men’s Attire • A dark suit is ideal. Suitable colors include blue, gray, and dark brown. • A neatly ironed long sleeve shirt should be worn. White is a good, safe color to choose • Make sure socks match outfit. Shoes should be formal black/brown shoes. • Shave before the interview. Make sure hair looks presentable

7. Women’s Attire • A conservative dress or knee length skirt is preferable. • Hose should not be darker than the skirt. Bring an extra pair just in case • Wear simple, tasteful jewelry • Close toed shoes that match the outfit should be worn. High heels should be avoided • Keep long hair pulled up, away from face

9. Other Clothing Notes • Be sure to take out any extraneous piercings. Women can wear a pair of simple, tasteful earrings • Make sure any tattoos are covered fulled.

10. Job Research • Make sure you completely understand what the company does and also what your job entails • Read up on the history of the company as well as its current state in the market • If possible, find out information about the person who is interviewing you (name, position, etc)

11. Other Importants Notes • Make sure to use the bathroom before you go into the interview • Turn off your cell phone before you start. If you forget and it rings during the interview, don’t answer it • Make sure to set your facebook or blog to ‘private’

12. The Interview Location • Usually held in a quiet room with little to no chance of distractions • Location often a reflection of the company and position • Sometimes will have more than one interviewers

13. Interviewing in a Foreign Country • Make sure that you know any local customs or traditions that might affect your interview • Do some research into body language in the cultures; some have a lot, some have very little • Find out if religion might affect your chances of getting the job • Research the attitudes towards the different sexes in the country

14. Before the Interview • Arrive at the interview at least 15-20 minutes early • Try to relax before you go in • Bring an extra copy of your resume • Bring a notepad and pen to take notes

15. Introduction • Look the interviewer in the eye when he meets you and give a firm handshake • The interviewer may try to make small talk to break the tension. Remember to remain polite and professional • Start off confident right from the beginning

16. Answering Questions • Answer questions fully, but don’t babble • Be confident with your answers. Avoid phrases like “Maybe…” or “Possibly…” • If you don’t know an answer, don’t pretend that you do • Don’t make jokes, don’t flirt, don’t badmouth previous employers

17. Answering Questions (cont’d) • Focus on positive aspects of previous jobs • Do not belittle yourself or previous coworkers/employers • Avoid answering with just “yes” or “no” • Feel free to ask follow-up questions to the interviewer • Be passionate! (but not crazy)

18. Some example questions • What are your career plans? • Why are you interested in this organization? • How did you choose your major and this university? • Tell me about yourself. • With what other employers do you plan to interview? • What are your greatest strengths? What are your chief weaknesses?

19. Questions that you can ask • What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job? • To whom would I report? Under whose supervision would I be assigned? • Would I be responsible for supervising other staff? If so, how many and what positions?

20. Body Language • Try not to touch your face or hair • Maintain eye contact with interviewer for the entire length of the interview • Be friendly and enthusiastic • Sit up straight in your chair

21. Interviewing in a Foreign Language • Avoid using overly overly formal “book” language • Avoid any slang you might have learned, no matter how comfortable you are with it • If you do not understand a question, do not pretend to know the answer • Make sure that you can pronounce the interviewer’s name correctly

22. Some “Don’t do” ’s • Don’t ask about salary unless first brought up by the interviewer • Don’t sit down until asked (its more polite) • Don’t chew gum or smoke • Don’t use flattery • Don’t interrupt the interviewer • Don’t drink alcohol if the interview is during a meal

23. After the interview • Do not linger after the interview • Ask if there’s anything else the interviewer wants to know • Thank the interviewer for his time • Be sure to send a ‘thank you’ note as a follow-up to the interview

24. How to Improve your Interview Skills • Practice with a friend • Videotape yourself doing a mock-interview • Go on the internet • Read books about interviewing Interviewing is an art, not a science. The best way to improve is to have experience.